“Let your Education Count”- Psychologist tells Students

A Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Afolabi Aroyewun, has charged students of Psychology in Covenant University to make their education count in their approach to vital human issues in the society.

Dr. Aroyewun, who is a Clinical Psychologist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, Edo State, was the Guest Lecturer at the Town and Gown Interaction titled “Clinical Psychology in Nigeria: Practice, Challenges and Prospects”, on February 13, 2015, at the College of Development Studies Conference Room.

According to him, a Clinical Psychologist is concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorder. Adding that, Clinical Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication, however, in some countries, they are allowed to do so.

“With the new curriculum on Psycho-Pharmacology, Nigerian Psychologists might soon be allowed to prescribe drugs”, he said.

He explained that the focus of the profession is divided into two: dealing with normal human beings and the abnormal people who pose danger to the society.

Dr Aroyewun noted that between 1976 and 2012, about 1,647 people have been trained in the field of clinical psychology in Nigeria and about 316 are currently at various stages of completion of Masters degree.

He noted further that the problems of Psychologists, however, started with the first generation of practitioners who were unable to defend their practice, thereby making Medical Doctors underrate the Psychology profession.

The Clinical Psychologist also stated some of the challenges facing the profession, which include: registration, enabling law, scheme of service, discipline/unethical conducts among practitioners, and documenting clinical psychologist activities in Nigeria for the benefits of humanity.

Speaking on the prospect, Dr Aroyewun stated that plans are underway, which will subject anybody holding a vital position in the country to be assessed every four years.

Also present at the seminar were the Deputy Dean, College of Leadership Development Studies, Professor Amos Alao, Head of Department, Psychology, Dr Olujide Adekeye, as well as other Faculty, Staff and Students of the department.